Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded programs designed to promote school readiness for young children from low-income families by supporting their early learning, health, nutrition, and overall well-being. The programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Head Start, and services are delivered through local grantees across the country.
Early Head Start serves infants, toddlers, and pregnant women, while Head Start generally serves children ages three to five. Both programs also extend eligibility to children experiencing homelessness and those in foster care. Eligibility is based mainly on family income, with priority given to certain circumstances.
All services provided through these programs are free to eligible families — there is nothing to repay. A family encountering any program that demands payment to enroll should treat that as a warning sign. Parents and guardians can apply by contacting a local Head Start or Early Head Start program directly, and a program locator is available through the Office of Head Start online. Because parents and family involvement are central to the programs' approach, families are encouraged to engage actively alongside their children throughout the process.
Avoid grant scams
Legitimate grants are free to apply for. Walk away from anyone who:
- guarantees you a grant, or says you were 'selected' for money you never applied for;
- charges an upfront 'processing', 'application', or 'grant kit' fee;
- asks for your bank-account or card number to 'deposit' a grant;
- pressures you to act immediately.
Verify any program directly at its official .gov site, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov. More on our grant-scam awareness page.
Official sources: HHS Administration for Children & Families — Office of Head Start. This page is educational information, not financial or legal advice; grants are competitive and never guaranteed. See our sources & how-we-work policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for head start and early head start?
Children from birth to age five in low-income families, including children experiencing homelessness and those in foster care; serves all genders. Pregnant women are also served through Early Head Start..
Does head start and early head start have to be repaid?
This is free services (not a loan, not repaid). Loans must be repaid, usually with interest.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying for legitimate funding is free. Anyone charging a fee to 'get you a grant' is a scam — see our scam-awareness page.
How do I apply for head start and early head start?
Contact a local Head Start program; find one through the locator at hhs.gov / eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov.
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